Veterans Memorial 5k Road Race and Walk to be held in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury ? The ninth annual Veterans Memorial 5k Road Race and Walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 3, starting at Independence Hall, 59 South St., Shrewsbury. Each year, hundreds of runners participate in the annual event, which supports the programs and services offered to homeless veterans and veterans in need by Veterans Inc.

“It is inspiring to see hundreds of area residents come out each year to run or walk in support of the work that we do for veterans,” said Vincent J. Perrone, president and CEO of Veterans Inc. “The support of the runners, the folks who volunteer at the race, and our sponsors, enables us to provide important services to veterans and their families who are struggling.”

The race begins at 1 p.m., following a Salute to Veterans welcoming ceremony at 12:40 p.m. Same-day registration will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is $20; same-day registration, $25. Registration for veterans, active duty military personnel, or ROTC is $15. Online registration is available at http://tinyurl.com/Veterans5k. A course map can be found on the registration page.

Prior to the start of the race, there will be a short Kid's Race for children ages 7 and under. The entry fee is a canned or boxed non-perishable food item for the Veterans Inc. Food Bank, or a package of socks.

“This is a wonderful event that not only helps us offer important programming to veterans, but also connects us to the Shrewsbury community,” said Denis M. Leary, executive director of Veterans Inc. “We couldn's do this without the fantastic support we receive from the dedicated group of volunteers in Shrewsbury who help organize and promote the race.”

Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union has signed on as the event's major sponsor. Additional sponsors include Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Panera Bread, Kate & Michael Cole of Westborough, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Shrewsbury Health & Racquet Club (SHARC). The race is organized by a committee of community volunteers, in conjunction with Veterans Inc.

“I got the road race going nine years ago to assist Veterans Inc. in doing all the great work they do for our veterans who need support,” said Patrick Collins of Shrewsbury, one of the principal organizers of the race. “With Operation Iraqi Freedom in full tilt back then, I saw there was a growing demand for services from returning veterans. I thought this would be a way to offer some community and financial support.”

All proceeds from the event will benefit Veterans Inc., the nation's premier provider of support services to veterans and their families.